Notice_of_Award_ITB_25-10_Horticulturist.pdf

This Notice of Award document pertains to an Invitation to Bid (ITB) process issued by the Tampa Sports Authority in Tampa, Florida, on behalf of the state of Florida, for horticultural consulting services at Raymond James Stadium. The services encompass periodic site inspections, written reports, and recommendations for maintaining the stadium's game field, exterior grass lots, and landscaping beds to NFL standards, including soil testing and analysis, watering level assessments, product research and recommendations, quarterly chemical and seed application recommendations, disease and pest monitoring, and annual minimum site visits to additional Tampa Sports Authority properties. A mandatory pre-bid conference was scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Raymond James Stadium (Entrance B/C off Himes Avenue), with bids due on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., submitted via email to bids@tampasportsauthority.com or in-person delivery. The contract term and renewal options are not specified in the available documentation.

The pricing structure requires submission on the Authority's designated bid form with hourly rates, travel time rates, and any additional charges subject to prior Tampa Sports Authority management approval, with the understanding that the Authority is tax-exempt and all applicable taxes should be excluded from proposals. Payment will be made approximately thirty days after invoice approval and site inspection completion by an Authority representative. No set-aside designations or incumbent vendors are referenced. The Tampa Sports Authority is seeking a qualified horticulturist with a Bachelor's degree in turfgrass management, agronomy, or plant and soil science, Certified Sports Field Manager credentials, and ten or more years of experience with warm-season grass sports fields, along with proof of three similar projects completed in the Southeastern United States within the past five years. Standard compliance requirements include Workers' Compensation Insurance per Florida statutory requirements, Commercial General Liability Insurance with a $1,000,000 combined single limit, Automobile Liability Insurance with a $1,000,000 combined single limit, E-Verify compliance, and certification of compliance with drug-free workplace programs and public entity crime prohibitions.